The Power of Privilege: the Influence of Social Class on Politics, Self-Concept and Cultural Identity in Persepolis Owen Donohue College

Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis offers the reader an intimate, sober view of the author’s early life around the time of the Iranian revolution of 1979. Her family is middle class, educated and fairly progressive. The young Marji wears Nike shoes, listens to rock music, and openly challenges the power systems of her family, school and government. Her parents encourage her behavior (except when she endangers herself) and frequently act as catalysts for her rebellious actions. But the stark differences between the Satrapis and the poor cause her to question the validity of their values. How can one preach equality and self-awareness while living in a socioeconomic bubble? Satrapi characterizes Iranian history by the gap between rich and poor, exposing its great flaws and beauty. At the same time, she explores the consequences of such a system. The wealth gap creates cultural and psychological boundaries between the classes, simultaneously sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust among the people that discourage unity. In turn, the group in power takes advantage of this situation and uses their exclusive resources in an attempt to manipulate and control the people. Satrapi’s awareness of this system—especially as a young child—is a direct...